Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva believes that a move to the Premier League this summer would be a “step down” for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Swedish international’s contract with the Ligue 1 champions expires this summer, which in turn has led to significant speculation over his future.
With offers likely to arrive from around the world, the 34-year-old faces a difficult decision having proven this season that he is far from finished at the highest level.
As reported by Sky Sports, Manchester United could be an option for Ibrahimovic, although a managerial change must take place first before he considers a move to Old Trafford.
However, Silva doesn’t believe that it would be the right move for his long-time teammate, as a switch to join any Premier League side would be a step down from PSG.
“He is my good friend, but also at 34 he is playing the best football of his career,” Silva told the Mirror. “He is one of the best in the world, he is unique, there is not another player like him.”
“Of course I want him to stay at PSG, I cannot imagine us without him.
“I know he has offers from England — and it is a big league — but I don’t think there is a team in England that is at the level of PSG at the moment.
“For me it would be a step down in quality for him.”
Having already secured the Ligue 1 title, PSG remain in the hunt for both their domestic cups and will be looking to make the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 1995.
Given their ability to compete for trophies consistently, Silva is adamant that few clubs can compare to the French giants, and in turn it would make no sense for Ibrahimovic to leave.
Nevertheless, the former AC Milan and Barcelona star could want a new challenge to wrap up his career, and he will continue to leave everyone guessing until the summer at which point he will have to make a decision.
With 39 goals and 16 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions so far this season, it is safe to say that the Swedish forward is far from done in European football.